Decree 185/2026/ND-CP stipulates the organization and operation of villages and residential groups and regimes and policies for non-specialized workers in villages and residential groups. One of the notable contents of this decree is to clearly stipulate the standards for Village Heads and Residential Group Leaders, in which the minimum age is lowered from 21 years old.
According to Article 7 of Decree 185/2026/ND-CP, people elected or recognized as Village Heads, Residential Group Leaders need to fully meet standards such as age and place of residence, be Vietnamese citizens, permanently residing in communes, wards or special zones, from 21 years old or older, priority is given to people of working age according to regulations, who are healthy enough to perform assigned tasks.
Village heads and residential group leaders have good moral qualities, are exemplary in life. Have prestige in the residential community and are trusted by the people. They and their families well comply with the Party's guidelines and the State's policies and laws. Have a healthy and active lifestyle in the community.
Village heads and residential group leaders have cultural knowledge, capacity and experience suitable for work in villages and residential groups. Have the ability to mobilize and organize people to perform community self-management tasks. Effectively perform tasks assigned by local Party committees and authorities at the commune level. Encourage the selection of people with professional qualifications suitable to work requirements.
Village heads and neighborhood group leaders have the ability to apply information technology in accordance with task requirements. Know how to plan, summarize, statistically, and report work according to regulations.
Lowering the minimum age to 21 is assessed as expanding opportunities for young people to participate in community management at the grassroots level.
Thus, according to the new regulations in Decree 185/2026/ND-CP, Vietnamese citizens aged 21 and over, with sufficient moral qualities, capacity and conditions as prescribed, can completely be considered for election or recognition as Village Heads, Residential Group Leaders.
